Our first major "Fun Day" by Christine:
How did the Fun Day come to be? I asked myself the same question, and I thought I would research it a little bit. I went back into the Giant Schnauzer In Ontario message board, and found this:
"....I think we should organize something like that too. Maybe setting a day and time at an off-leash dog park and finally meet everyone face-to-face. A Sunday morning would be ideal! Anyone interested so we can start planning away?? It'd be great fun!" Cheers, Karla and Pepe
Well, there wasn’t much interest in the winter months so another post came around, and it took off from there:
"I would be more then willing to have a fun day at my place. It’s easy to get to and I have lots of room. I think that planning now for early summer next year is a good idea. June is a good month if we try to avoid hot weather. We should also plan for a backup date just incase of really bad weather. Let me know if my place is of interest." Derrick Wood
From there, the planning started. Companies were contacted for donations, invitations were sent out, the word was spread around, and the interest in the event was increasing. A location was chosen in Milton where there would be shade for the dogs if needed, washroom facilities and a picnic area.
The day finally came and everything went great. We had approximately 83 people and 45 dogs. There were about 8 honorary Giants in attendance in that number as well.
Our first event was a Shutzhund demonstration, which was hosted by Svetlana and Bernie Van Pelt.
Next, we had an auction, which raised $380 for rescue. There were games like the Wiener Race, Stupid Pet Trick, Miss. Giant Schnauzer Ontario, Mr. Giant Schnauzer Ontario, Giant Wiggle Butt and Longest Eyebrows. The Jasper Lessard Memorial was presented to Pepe (Karla and Shawn) for having the best personality. Jasper would have been so proud of you Pepe!
We also had the CGN (Canine Good Neighbor) test, and I am proud to say that all 6 dogs who entered passed with no problem.
We finished off the day with the presentation of awards. Congratulations to Sadie and Brutis, Mr. and Miss. Giant Schnauzer Ontario.
There were great prizes provided by so many generous companies, which allowed us to host a Penny Sale and Door Prizes. We also had a Photo Booth hosted by Dan and Sarah Oughton. They donated the proceeds; $60 to Giant Schnauzer Rescue Canada.
It was such a great day, meeting all those beautiful dogs and wonderful people. It seemed like everyone was having a good time, chatting with old friends and making new friends, finally putting faces to names that we have been chatting to online for almost 2 years.
In total, $721 was raised for Giant Schnauzer Rescue Canada. It will be a great start to this new rescue group, which will assist all those beautiful Giants who are in need of forever homes.
We will be planning our 2nd annual Giant Schnauzer Fun Day for next summer. I hope you will make it as successful as this year’s event.
Thank you,
Christine Lessard and Mya
Canine Good Neighbor Test (CGN)All six participating teams passed without a problem.
Congratulations go to:
Kasia and Doon (Giant Schnauzer)
Christine and Mya (Giant Schnauzer)
Dianne and Tigger (Giant Schnauzer)
Tracy and Ceilidh (Belgian Tervuren)
Michelle and Schultz (Giant Schnauzer)
Dianne and Griffen (Giant Schnauzer)
It was very nice to see well behaved, social, and great looking Giants. Thank you for participating in the event and the CGN test. Hope to see some of you going on into a more formal obedience ring.
Svetlana – Berendhaus Kennels
A GIANT thank-you goes out to all of our sponsors!• Iams (promotional products) 44 Items! www.iams.com
• Andis (Professional Clipper) www.andis.com
• Muttluks Inc. (3 pairs of Muttluks) www.muttluks.com
• Dogs in Canada Magazine (3 subscriptions) www.dogsincanada.com
• Aventix (gift basket)
• Purina Canada (promotional items) www.purina.com
• Kennel Up Magazine (1 year free subscription) www.kennelupdogs.com
• Healthy Paws and Bones (booth and coupons) www.healthy-paws.ca
• Bark and Fitz Oakville Pet Boutique (picture frame and a can of treats)www.barkandfitz.com
• Dr. Thomas Hogg (Mya's vet, 2 bags of dog food)
• Maple Leaf Foods Intl (30lb bag Royal Canin Food)
• Pet Valu, 2400 Dundas St W, Mississauga (products)
• Dog Fancy Magazine (free subscription)
• Kong Company www.kongcompany.com
• Ren's Pet Depot (pet bed) www.renspets.com
• Nylabone www.nylabone.com
• Owl Magazine www.owlkids.com
• Bob Lessard (raised feeding table)
• Ann Langdale (Mary Kay gift basket)
• Dianne Barnes (wine basket)
• Milton Toyota (assorted prizes)
• Berendhaus Kennels (CGN testing) www.berendhauskennel.com
• Redwood Pet Resort (park rental) www.redwoodpetresort.com
